Can a husband perform his deceased wife’s Ghusl?

· 19 Safar 1437 AH1 min readEnglish

Question

Can a man give Ghusl to his wife after she has passed away and can he see her face?

Answer

According to the Hanafi Madh-hab, it is not permissible for the husband to touch his wife’s bare skin after she has passed away nor is it permissible for him to give her Ghusl. Her Ghusal should be performed by her close female relatives eg, mother, sister, daughter, aunt etc. Or any other pious muslim females.

However, it is permissible for him to look at her face, carry her shrouded Janaazah and lower her body into the grave. (Ahsanul Fatawa, Vol: 4, Pg: 225, Durrul Mukhtar, Vol: 2, Pg: 198, DF)

If a man passes away, his ghusal should be performed by his close male relatives eg father, son brother, uncles etc or any pious muslim males. If there no male muslims to bathe him, it will be permissable for his wife to give him the ghusal.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Answered by
Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed
Checked by
Mufti Moosa Salie
Questions about this ruling, answered only from the archive with sources.

Where scholars differ, it’s safer to take the more cautious view.

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